Autism in Entertainment/Judi Uttal/Marlene Sharp (She/Her)
Other
Established in May 2022, the Autism In Entertainment (AIE) Workgroup includes educators, professionals, and family members who believe that individuals on the autism spectrum can (and do) contribute in entertainment-related fields, including film, TV, social media, and video games. The AIE mission is to drive employment in entertainment-related careers. On 4/5/24, the AIE Workgroup hosted a 1-day, in-person event at the Skirball Cultural Center in LA. The goal was employment expansion for interested, experienced individuals on the autism spectrum. The gathering united dozens of employers and approximately 250 potential employees on-site for a full day of networking, panels, and educational sessions.
Host orgs were/are Orange County Asperger’s Support Group (OCASG) in collaboration with the Autism In Entertainment Workgroup, plus support from Zavikon (employment agency that places neurodivergent and disabled individuals in meaningful jobs).
The pursuit continues! Judi Uttal is AIE Founder and longtime OCASG President. Veteran animation producer/creative exec Marlene Sharp serves as AIE & OCASG point person for community outreach, PR, marketing & special projects.
